FWIW, imho, Randy's 'new' 'secret' information about Qatar was very far from dispositive.

At least for me it had absolutely no impact on my decision to support that forum.

But if that information led to its creation or caused other TB members to support the forum then I think that was a good thing since I am of a mind that all it takes to make a successful points and miles forum is a few passionate posters.

Certainly that was the case with VX (and Randy's input on that forum was, for me, far from dispositive either), and HOPEFULLY those who bemoaned the lack of redemption or relative size of the airline are learning that particular lesson by visiting the VX forum from time to time. My only regret is that it took the TB so long to recommend creating that particular forum.

This is one of those times that I really, really wish that the TB forum was open on a read-only basis.

I obviously am limited in what I can say by our silly secrecy oath that allows us to only post our own words and thoughts from the private TB forum so I can only speak for myself. But I am telling all who will believe this bomb-thrower-turned insider: if I didnt think these ideas were in the best long-term interests of FT you can bet your booty I'd have voted against them no matter who provided what information.

Do I give the input and advice Randy provides more attention and weight than the average poster? Of course. That's human nature and I wouldn't be surprised if all TB members (and Flyertalkers in general) do. And some certainly by their own admission do give it more weight than others (some, I would speculate, to the exclusion of nearly all other considerations). But if Randy one day decided to close, or provided information that would tend to indicate closure of, the UA or BA forum, I think you'd definitely see a vote 9-0 against such an action (or at least 8-1 or 7-2!!!! ), to take an illogically extreme example.

So we are really talking about shades of grey here.

All FWIW and of course OTBMMFD!